Anniversary Issue

April 2024

Welcome to Sol-Caritas' captivating exploration of the minds of extraordinary individuals. In this exclusive interview, we invite you to delve deep into the thoughts, experiences, and perspectives of Carlos Wallace, a person whose story is both captivating and inspirational. Join us as we embark on a journey to uncover the intricacies of his life, his passions, and his aspirations. Together, we'll shine a spotlight on his unique insights, accomplishments, and the wisdom he has gathered along his remarkable path. Prepare for an engaging conversation that is sure to leave you inspired, enlightened, and eager to draw from the well of his extraordinary journey.

AWARD-WINNING FILMMAKER * MENTOR * THOUGHT LEADER

Author Carlos Wallace

Good afternoon, Mr. Wallace. Would you mind taking us through the story of your journey from the beginning to where you are now? We're keen to learn about how your endeavors started and the path that has led to your current accomplishments.

Whenever I am asked to tell my story, I hesitate. How can you sum up a life that is in constant motion?

It’s not as if I do not know what to say; I’m just a firm believer that my “story”, is in a persistent state of growth and maturity. Every single morning, I take a breath is a new beginning and an incredible opportunity to either improve upon what I have been doing or to execute a new project or plan. This has always been my way of thinking. Seize the day, make a difference; never wait for a handout. My parents and my grandparents instilled that discipline.

I come from a long line of people who worked hard, broke down walls, crashed through ceilings and even made history. I was raised by a mother who did not tolerate nonsense or disrespect from anyone; an All-star collegiate athlete that was not allowed to sit at the same table with her teammates at restaurants, even when she led them to victory. She gave birth to me after one of the most intense basketball games of her collegiate career. Literally held me in a delivery room hours after sinking a winning shot. Not even the excruciating pain of labor could stop my momma. These examples taught me resilience and patience. It helped me plow through inequities fearlessly, always knowing who I am. 

I would spend hours in the private chambers of my grandfather, O'Neal Hunt (the first black judge to sit on the bench in Palestine, Texas’ Anderson County). There, I learned the value of principles, fairness, the law, integrity, and strength of character. My grandparents were married over 60 years. That taught me commitment and great reverence for the sanctity of family.

I am a fifth-generation railroader inspired by a legacy that drives me to work hard, show up, and go after what I want no matter what opposition I may encounter. My uncle Rube was the first black railroad conductor for Missouri Pacific (one of the first railroads in the United States west of the Mississippi River!) So, you see, I have always had outstanding role models.

Fact is, living up to the memory and the expectations of the men and women who raised me, while a weighty responsibility, is my driving force. Because of them, I began working at the age of 11 on a paper route I managed for five years. I joined the Navy because my father (a towering figure at home and in the workplace that everyone respected) encouraged me to explore a world outside of East Texas.

However, despite travelling the globe until I finally settled down in Houston, I never underestimate the impact of a small-town upbringing. I grew up in Jacksonville, Texas and that background has kept me grounded and proud. I know my East Texas community is always watching and I never want to disappoint the people who care about me and who helped raise me. My small-town rearing even kept me out of prison! Thanks to my “village”, my family, my strong ties to the community, I was given a second chance at a very early stage of my adult life. Trust me when I tell you, the thought of losing your freedom is a powerful incentive to do right at all times.

The first 40+ years of my “story” inspired a best-selling book “Life Is Not Complicated – YOU ARE”, and eventually, a second book “The Other 99 T.Y.M.E.S: Train Your Mind to Enjoy Serenity”. The first chapters of my story encouraged me to start my own company (Sol-Caritas), imparted the knowledge I needed to manage top entertainers, authors, and journalists.

Essentially life is a gift that definitely keeps on giving. My duty is to pay whatever benefits I receive, forward. 

With an impressive array of titles such as Author, Executive Producer, and Board of Directors member, alongside your role as a husband, one might wonder how you manage to allocate the necessary time and passion to each pursuit. How do you strike a balance and ensure that each aspect of your life receives the attention it deserves?

The short answer is I am a Union Organizer by trade. Most of my adult career has been dedicated to literally organizing the lives of people who count on me to work in their best interests and make sure they are afforded fair and equitable treatment as mandated by labor laws and informed by my best judgement. Whether professionally or personally, I apply the skills I’ve learned to help keep people’s lives (and yes that includes my own) in order. Honestly, I have been this way since I was a kid. Some people joke I am borderline OCD! Everything always had to have its place, every activity perfectly planned. I still balance my checkbooks and keep a daily calendar with reminders so I can make every moment of the day count. If it aligns with my principles and my values, I don’t consider it work; it’s part of my life.

When you can manage your time and block out unnecessary distractions and mute the “noise” that tends to send you into a state of confusion and disarray, you are better able to give the people, work, and activities the enthusiasm they deserve, to make it every moment of the day count, and to dedicate the time and effort each person deserves. This commitment drives me in ways I can’t really explain, but I can say, given my personality (things need to make sense, or I seriously cannot function) if something does not fit these criteria, I do not take it on. 

My toughest but most enjoyable commitment is husband, for a few reasons. I enjoy being a provider, a protector, a friend, and a partner. I love making my wife happy (that is a given) but I derive the greatest satisfaction in being a driving force in her life. Now, she is a huge success in her own right. Smart, ambitious, loving, kind, and an amazing mother. These are some of the other reasons my role as husband is so rewarding. I have met my match (but in a good way). I can be organized, busy, a mentor, executive producer, author, father, mentor, and friend because she is the foundation upon which I can build my life without any fear. Ultimately, she fuels my passion for everything. 

What served as your inspiration to embark on the journey of becoming an artist, business owner, or any other role you've pursued?

I started my business, Sol-Caritas, after being wrongfully fired for standing my ground about unfair business practices at the former company where I was employed. I appealed the actions of my former employer and fought for my job; however, I needed a way to subsist in the meantime.

The wisdom of my late grandfather fueled my sense of survival and ingenuity. I was also motivated by my responsibilities as a husband and father.



They imparted essential lessons about life and family and instilled principles and values I used to survive in every aspect of my life. These attributes kicked into high gear and inspired me to channel my talents and professional background. I used my experience as an engineer for a leading railroad company and organizer for one of the top labor unions in the country and matched all that with my connections in the entertainment industry and my ability to promote events. Sol was established in 2009. The company, now one of my most significant accomplishments thus far, was forged out of need and flourished because I turned what I had to do into what I wanted to do. Not to mention, I learned how much I can contribute to my community and to aspiring artists through the shows and events I produce. These days I am more inspired by a philanthropic spirit and responsibility to be a mentor and leader in the community. When I shared my story with others (especially about how my upbringing helped frame my decision-making and general lifestyle choices), they urged me to write it in a book. My girlfriend (now my wife) echoed their persuasion and did not let up until “Life Is Not Complicated – YOU ARE” was published. 

Anyone who tells you that their life has been easy has not lived life to the fullest.

This is a hard question to answer because while I am a huge proponent of transparency, I am also a very private person.

Let me say this; if talking about the personal difficulties I have faced over the years helps one person realize that we as human beings of faith can overcome anything life throws at us, I am all in.

The most important people in my life—my parents and grandparents—died before I was 40-years old. To put it in even greater perspective: My mom (my best friend, my protector, my hero) passed away when I was 27-years old. I was devastated. She left a void in my soul that will never be filled.

I have hit rock bottom personally, financially, mentally, and even emotionally. I’ve lost tens of thousands of dollars in failed business ventures, lived through several name storms while in Houston. I’ve had to reset my life after a divorce, suffered betrayals at the hand of family and friends. 

The irony is, because of my upbringing, I never let it show. I never asked for help or even displayed an ounce of evidence that I was having trouble. I’m not wearing that as some kind of badge of honor, I’m just being real. I know a lot of people (especially men) that handle issues in that way. Some of my best friends have revealed they’ve faced tragedy, illness, unemployment and no one ever knew. In a way, that stoic persona made the challenges even more difficult! I powered through and emerged on the other side stronger and much wiser, but I learned that sometimes it really is ok to reach out to those you trust and who care about you. My experiences showed me that no one should suffer in silence. I have become acutely sensitive to how my close friends and loved ones act on a daily basis, making sure they know I am here to lend an ear, a shoulder.

Now, let me be clear: Everything is NOT for everybody. Choose your “shoulder” and your “ear” very wisely. For the record, social media should not be where you bare your soul or air out your problems or issues. I want to make sure anyone reading this understands that. Like the bible says: Above all else, guard your heart.

Yes, I read the bible. -laughs-

I guess this is a great example of how anyone can use their greatest challenges to help others. 

What is a common misconception that you believe people have about you? Why do you think this misconception exists?

Most people think I am all business and unapproachable. It’s not difficult to form that impression because I do not play about my work. There is a time and place for everything. If we are talking about work, I am all about work. However, I love to have fun. People (who take the time to get to know me) often say they did not know I had a sense of humor, or that I was a jokester. You’d think since I manage comedians and help some of my artists punch up their jokes, this aspect of my personality should come as no surprise. I can say, because I know she won’t mind, that I help my wife (who is also a stand-up comic in addition to her other talents) work out, conceptualize and punch up her jokes all the time. We have the same sense of humor, so that helps. But where she is EXCELLENT with words and ideas, I am strong in adding layers and developing concepts.

Bottom line, I don’t like wasting time, however, when I’m with those closest to me, we always enjoy ourselves.

Before we conclude, let's delve into your role as an author. Could you please share with us the titles of the books you've written? 

Of course, quite often. My books are both bestsellers (Thanks to major support) and have been incorporated into the academic curriculums of schools in several cities including Houston’s Lone Star College, Houston Community College, and Prairie View A&M. While living in New York I launched a mentorship project with York College in Queens, New York; a plan that used the message in “Life Is Not Complicated – YOU ARE” as its core to encourage young men to never give up.

My wife and I produced an award-winning show based on my second book called, “The Other 99 T.Y.M.E.S: Count Your Blessings.” Streaming on Amazon Prime. Season three of the program is in the works. We are very proud of this show and the message: Stop focusing on the one-time things go wrong in your life and appreciate the 99 times it works in your favor.

My latest work, “Why Sell Lies When The Truth Is Free”, has been in the making since 2016. I have experienced so much since writing "Life Is Not Complicated." Events and personal growth have reframed my outlook, sharpened my views on existing beliefs, and compelled me to document my thoughts again.

This time, I changed my writing style a bit! Even I was amazed at the final product. When I sat down to write "Why Sell Lies When the Truth Is Free," I was aware the storyline, characters, and tone of the book would stir controversy. Never one to shy away from topics known to divide nations, ignite arguments at the dinner table, challenge the foundations of our political structure, and disrupt conversations from barber shops to Capitol Hill, I went into the writing process full throttle! This time, I push boundaries, test limits, and stretch my creativity to create a narrative that challenges readers to think beyond the normal scope of societal norms.

While this decision carries an element of risk, I am not deterred. Anything that questions conventional wisdom is bound to be provocative.

I welcome potential backlash. Let's start a conversation!

Is there any other aspect of your life, work, or journey that you believe is important for us to know?

I have served as a guest lecturer at institutions of higher learning throughout the country. I have been profoundly humbled (at least twice) to learn that at least two students (by their own omission) changed their minds about taking their life after reading my book. I doubt I will ever be able to find anything more fulfilling about my books on a personal level.

Professionally, my books are currently used as part of the Psychology curriculum at Lone Star College, Prairie View A&M, and Houston Baptist University. “Life Is Not Complicated, You Are” has also been included in the social justice program at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Blessed Trinity Catholic High School in Atlanta.